Grandpa’s Talking Pillow: Understanding Hallucinations in Dementia
If your grandfather with dementia thinks his pillow is talking to him, he’s likely experiencing visual hallucinations. This is a common symptom in certain types of dementia, especially Lewy body dementia[9].
Hallucinations are false perceptions – seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t really there. For someone with dementia, these can seem very real and last for some time[9]. Your grandfather’s brain is essentially creating sensory experiences that don’t match reality.
Why does this happen? Dementia causes changes in the brain that can affect how it processes information. In Lewy body dementia, for example, tiny protein deposits called Lewy bodies build up in brain cells, disrupting normal function[10]. This can lead to hallucinations, among other symptoms.
These experiences can range from mild to quite vivid. Your grandfather might see patterns or objects that aren’t there, or even people and animals. In this case, he’s attributing speech to an inanimate object – his pillow[9].
It’s important to remember that for your grandfather, these hallucinations feel very real. They’re not something he can simply “snap out of” or ignore. Trying to convince him that the pillow isn’t really talking might just cause frustration and distress.
Instead, try to respond calmly and reassuringly. You might say something like, “I know the pillow seems real to you, but I can’t hear it. You’re safe, and I’m here with you.” This acknowledges his experience without reinforcing the hallucination[9].
If the hallucinations are frequent or causing distress, it’s a good idea to talk to your grandfather’s doctor. They might adjust his medication or suggest other strategies to help manage these symptoms[9].
Remember, hallucinations are a symptom of the disease, not a sign that your grandfather is “crazy” or losing touch with reality entirely. With patience and understanding, you can help him navigate these challenging experiences.
